I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a plate every time I make it. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with layers of garlicky flavor, this dish comes together quickly and always impresses whoever I’m cooking for. The tender chicken paired with the rich Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked gluten-free farfalle pasta keeps me coming back for seconds, and I know you’ll feel the same once you try it.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
What really draws me to this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is the way all the flavors blend so beautifully. The chicken is seasoned just right with a mix of paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder, giving it a savory kick without overpowering the creamy sauce. Then, when that Parmesan cheese melts into the heavy cream and chicken broth mixture, it creates a sauce so silky and satisfying I can’t help but smile while eating it. It’s comfort food that feels a little special and elevated, all at once.
I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a fantastic go-to when I want a home-cooked meal that doesn’t take all evening to make. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish stands out because it’s both quick and impressive. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for accommodating guests with dietary preferences without needing complicated substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential, and each one plays a vital role. From the olive oil that helps sear the chicken to the Parmesan that adds depth and creaminess, these components come together for a harmonious dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.
- Olive oil: Using good-quality olive oil ensures the chicken sears beautifully without sticking and adds subtle fruitiness.
- Springer Mountain Farms chicken breast: Tender, juicy chicken is the star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that complements the garlic and herbs perfectly.
- Oregano: A classic herb that brings a fresh, slightly peppery earthiness.
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the seasoning and sauce.
- Thyme: A subtle, savory herb that balances the overall profile.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors.
- Gluten-free farfalle pasta: The fun bow-tie shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, and it’s great that it’s gluten-free for wider dietary needs.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce base and helps meld the flavors smoothly.
- Dry shallots: Give a mild onion flavor with a nice texture when simmered into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that deepens the Mediterranean inspiration in the dish.
- Chicken broth: Introduces a savory liquid base that keeps the sauce flavorful and not overly rich.
- Gluten-free 1:1 flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce I look forward to every time.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: The final touch that melts into the sauce and delivers that unmistakable cheesy goodness.
- Pasta water: Used to adjust sauce consistency perfectly without watering down flavors.
Directions
Step 1: Begin by boiling your gluten-free farfalle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining — this will come in handy later for the sauce.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, mix together the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is where your chicken will gain its delicious flavor.
Step 3: Pound the chicken breasts gently to even out their thickness, which helps them cook through evenly and stay juicy.
Step 4: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with your prepared spice mixture, pressing it in gently so it sticks well.
Step 5: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts.
Step 6: Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms. Flip and do the same on the other side.
Step 7: Lower the heat slightly to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook the chicken for an additional 10-12 minutes. This gentle cooking ensures the chicken remains tender and reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8: Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest on a cutting board. Resting helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist.
Step 9: Into the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. The leftover cooking juices will add extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 10: Add the dry shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the melted butter. Stir and simmer for about one minute until aromatic.
Step 11: Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir constantly to combine and form a roux, scraping the bottom of the pan to get all those tasty browned bits.
Step 12: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and builds a smooth, creamy sauce base.
Step 13: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and integrated. The sauce should thicken nicely as you cook it, so keep stirring occasionally until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 14: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated.
Step 15: Slowly stir in the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. This will give you that perfect silky texture.
Step 16: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them back into the skillet with the pasta. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 17: Serve immediately while warm, and get ready to enjoy one of your new favorite meals!
Servings and Timing
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe serves about 10 people, making it ideal for a family gathering or meal prep for the week. The prep time is around 10 minutes, mostly for seasoning and prepping the chicken, while the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time beyond letting the chicken briefly rest after cooking.
How to Serve This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
When I serve this delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even roasted asparagus work beautifully on the side. These veggies bring a nice balance and add color to the plate.
For garnishing, I often sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise. A handful of extra Parmesan at the table is always a hit, too, so everyone can customize their serving.
As for drinks, this meal pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light iced tea feel refreshing alongside this pasta dish. I usually serve the pasta hot or warm because the sauce tastes richest that way, but leftovers can also be enjoyed at room temperature without losing their charm.
Variations
I love that this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is flexible and easy to customize to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the chicken breast with thinly sliced turkey breast or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Both options work wonderfully with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
If you’re catering to gluten-free needs, this recipe already uses gluten-free pasta and flour, but you can also experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. For a vegan variation, you could replace the chicken with marinated tofu or roasted mushrooms and use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternative to keep that creamy, cheesy vibe.
For extra flavor depth, sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the Parmesan, giving it a little zing and sophistication. You could also bake the assembled pasta and sliced chicken in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and more cheese for a baked variation that’s crispy on top and creamy inside.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I always recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This pasta freezes okay, but because of the cream sauce and chicken, texture can change slightly. If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to minimize texture changes and maintain flavor as much as possible.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is gently on the stovetop. Use a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently and frequently to revive creaminess without curdling. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry out the pasta and make the chicken rubbery. Slow, gentle reheating brings the dish back to life perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t need to avoid gluten, regular all-purpose flour can be used as a direct substitute. It will thicken the sauce just as well and contribute to that velvety texture. Just make sure to cook the flour well in the butter to avoid any raw flour taste.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?
I prefer freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for this recipe rather than pre-grated. Freshly shredded melts more smoothly into the sauce and has a richer flavor. Look for a good-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano or a similar aged Parmesan for the best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep parts of this recipe ahead, like seasoning and pounding the chicken or grating the cheese. Cooking the pasta and chicken fully ahead of time is possible too, but I recommend waiting to assemble and heat the sauce right before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
If you like some heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or stirring in a dash of hot sauce into the sauce works great. Just start with a small amount and adjust to your taste so the garlic and Parmesan flavors still shine through nicely.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add a slightly different flavor and extra juiciness, which I sometimes prefer for variety. Just be sure to check their internal temperature to 165 degrees and adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
Conclusion
I hope you feel excited to try this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe because it truly is one of my all-time favorite dinners. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make, with enough versatility to please a crowd or serve as a special weeknight treat. Once you taste that creamy, garlicky sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, I’m sure you’ll want to make it again and again. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
